FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

since 1982

Dear Friends,

As the government shutdown continues, more than 1.7 million New Yorkers have seen their SNAP benefits halted leaving families, seniors, and working individuals in an increasingly desperate situation. This crisis touches all of us. From those who serve and protect our country, to government workers going unpaid, to local businesses and landlords impacted by the ripple effects of hunger and financial strain no one is untouched.

We urge you to contact your local representatives. Ask them to reopen the government and restore SNAP benefits. These programs are not just lifelines they are proven tools in the fight against poverty. No one in our city should go hungry.

At Bread and Life, we have seen firsthand how these cuts have transformed us from a secondary resource into the primary source of food for many especially the elderly and working poor. Despite recent reductions to our own food programs, we remain steadfast in our mission. We will continue to be here for those who need us most.

As October closes and we enter November, we celebrate All Saints Day, a time to honor both the named and unnamed saints among us. It is a moment to reflect on those whose quiet acts of courage and compassion have shaped our lives. Here at Bread and Life, we remember saints like Joe and Antoinette Martino, whose generosity knew no bounds, and our Mixer4Meals honorees Andrea Berragan and Mike Staub, whose humility and love uplift those around them.

In these challenging times, we must look to their example. We need living saints—those who stand up against injustice, who embrace the displaced, the misunderstood, and the marginalized. We must be brave enough to walk alongside those who are different, and bold enough to challenge systems that fail them.

At Bread and Life, we see the face of God in every person and in a world that feels increasingly divided and volatile, we must respond with grace, courage, and unity.

Rooted in the Vincentian tradition, we are called to serve differently to walk humbly with those we serve. Only then can we truly transform our communities.

With Hope, Determination and Gratitude,

Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM

Executive Director

THANK YOU!

Thanks to your incredible generosity and support, we reached our goal of $50,000! Every contribution — big or small — helped Fill our Truck with nutritious food and bring comfort to neighbors facing hunger across Brooklyn and Queens. Your compassion turned Hunger Action Month into a true demonstration of community and care. From all of us at St. John’s Bread & Life, THANK YOU for standing with us and helping drive this campaign forward to nourish New Yorkers in need.

BREAD & LIFE IN THE NEWS

Brooklyn food pantries brace for SNAP cuts as November deadline looms

- News 12 Long Island | Rob Flaks | Oct. 24, 2025, 6;54am

At St. John’s Bread and Life Center, staff served 419 people in a single day. Executive Director Caroline Tweedy says that number could climb dramatically if benefits are cut. Click below to watch segment:

Click here to read full article

St. John’s Bread & Life Steps Up to Feed Hungry Amid Government Shutdown

Currents News | Air date Oct. 27, 2025

This month, we’re proud to shine our spotlight on Ms. LaFleur Hepburn, our dedicated Produce Associate who has been part of the Bread & Life family for three years. Alongside three fellow team members, Ms. LeFleur helps keep our produce department running smoothly — from training volunteers and depalletizing deliveries to organizing, bagging, and preparing fresh fruits and vegetables for pantry pick-up.

Her hard work and warm spirit ensure that every guest who walks through our doors receives healthy, high-quality produce with dignity and care. We’re so grateful for her commitment and the heart she brings to our mission every day.

We are thrilled to share that our 2nd Annual Mixer for Meals was a tremendous success, raising over $125,000 to support the guests of St. John’s Bread & Life! The evening was filled with inspiring stories, meaningful networking, and a celebration of our mission to fight hunger across Brooklyn and Queens.

We were honored to recognize Mike Staub of TEI Group and Andrea Barragan of AB Energy Partners for their extraordinary personal and professional contributions that have touched countless lives.

Thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors, and committee members, every dollar raised will directly support nutritious meals, fresh produce, and essential resources for New Yorkers in need.

Event Committee

Mercedes Augusta

(TEI Group)

Frank Fellone Jr

(Flag Waterproofing & Restoration)

Brian Horan

Nancy Lara

(Ponte Point Project Management)

Bart McDade

(Newmark)

Michael Nehlsen

(Hillmann Consulting, LLC)

Kenny Peng

(TKE)

Jessica Price

(TEI Group)

Alexis Schamble

(Hillmann Consulting, LLC)

Sr. Marie Sorenson

(St. John’s Bread & Life)

Michele Spinowitz

(Hillmann Consulting, LLC)

Cassidy Strauss

(CityProof)

Sr. Caroline Tweedy

(St. John’s Bread & Life)

Donna Zavattieri

(Safe Harbour Real Estate Group)

Learning Through Service:

St. Francis Prep Leads the Way

Thank You, St. Francis Prep!

Today, St. Francis Preparatory High School hosted its annual Freshman Foundation Day, where students came together to learn the importance of serving and supporting communities in need. Led by Campus Minister, Shawn Sempowich, the students demonstrated incredible teamwork and compassion as they packed 2,000 breakfast kits for St. John’s Bread & Life to distribute to our guests.

This generous effort could not have come at a more crucial time, as many of our neighbors are relying more than ever on our services amid the impending government shutdown. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the St. Francis Prep community for their outstanding dedication and for embodying the true spirit of service.

This holiday season, you can make Christmas brighter for a family in need. Join us in supporting the 29th Annual Sponsor-A-Family Holiday Program. Your generosity will bring hope, joy, and comfort to families who might otherwise go without a holiday celebration.

Your gift provides a complete holiday meal for the family and a special gift for each child, reminding them that they are cared for and not forgotten this Christmas. Together, we can make the season truly merry for our neighbors in need.